Your Guide to Sydney’s Nightlife Scene

Idyllic spots to start or finish your night, Sydney’s many bars and cocktail bars provide the perfect atmosphere. Whether you’re after something in Darling Harbour, by the Opera House, or further afield, you’ll find yourself spoilt for choice.

The Baxter Inn

A short 5-minute walk from glistening Darling Harbour and located in a dark basement underneath Clarence Street, this intimate venue is known for its enormous whiskey collection and chic speakeasy atmosphere. With a sophisticated array of classic cocktails on offer also, it’s the perfect place to start or end any evening out in Sydney - no booking necessary!

Eau de Vie

Literally meaning ‘water of life’, Eau de Vie is an homage to spirits like Brandy and Whiskey - traditionally considered elixirs of life. Bringing theatrical presentations, paired with quality ingredients and a moody setting, this cocktail bar delivers a magical and delightful experience. 1920’s influenced with dim lighting, glass cabinets and leather seats, you’ll feel like you’ve taken a step back in time. Sample their cocktail of the month, jump into one of their cocktail or whiskey masterclasses, or explore their monthly offerings with things like (at time of writing) $2 oysters.

Papa Gede’s Bar

If you’re after something more classic and rustic, then Papa Gede’s on Kent Street in the CBD brings it in spades. Relaxed, yet stylish, they have a strong local reputation for their creative cocktails. This intimate hangout boasts voodoo-themed decor, happy hour evening day, and delivers monthly comedy for its patrons. Bookings are recommended, however if you have a smaller group then there are some tables set aside each evening.

PS40

Hidden down Skittle Lane, off King Street, you’ll find this kitsch gem that is ideal for those who prefer the underground bar scene. With a rotating roster of amazing cocktails on offer, you’re sure to find something to love with every visit. If you’re interested in experiencing this cocktail bar in a unique way, then visit for one of their Takeover Tuesdays where themed menus deliver exquisite food alongside tantalising drinks. 

Stitch Bar

In the heart of the city, and upstairs on York Street, you’ll find Stitch Bar which brings lounge-vibes, craft cocktails and a sophisticated evening. Inspired by the late night diners found dotted along the backstreets of New York City, expect diner food like burgers, hotdogs and tacos, which you can pair perfectly with one of their rare bottles of whiskey. Oh and if you sign up to their mailing list, then you can get a free round of cocktails on your birthday.

Opera Bar

The premier bar for a drink before a show at the Sydney Opera House. Set against the banks of Sydney Harbour and, of course, the Sydney Opera House, Opera Bar brings classic dishes with global flavours together with exquisite cocktails and live music to deliver an exceptional experience. With a huge amount of covered outdoor seating, as well as indoor, you can expect a relaxed vibe that celebrates the beauty of the Sydney waterfront and puts you in the perfect mood for a show.

Maybe you’ve wrapped up a show, or a day out exploring the city, and now it’s time to find something to eat. Sydney boasts many delicious restaurants and late night eateries that will have you coming back for more.

Esteban

This late-night restaurant in the Sydney CBD offers you Mexican-inspired cuisine that is lipsmackingly good. Designed to pay homage to Mexican tradition and the role it plays in bringing friends and family together, each element is lovingly crafted and enhanced by cooking it over wood or charcoal. Soft corn tortillas are made using an authentic Mexican hand operated tortilla press and then paired with choices like steak tartare, or marinated pork. Come hungry, and prepare to eat your way through the menu!

Mr Wong

Cantonese and modern Chinese fine dining fuse in this fun late-night venue. Set across two levels and serving up to 80 different dishes, you’ll get everything from their crowd favourite barbecue duck or dim sum through to classic mud crab. Whilst this venue may be large, and can accommodate bigger groups, there’s also plenty of quiet nooks for two, with dim lighting and moody jazz to set the scene. Park up and peruse the extensive menu and wine list, and get ready to eat.

Restaurant Hubert

Classic French bistro vibes in a subterranean space, where old world Parisian lustre, candlelight and jazz set the tone for a romantic and indulgent evening. Owned by the same group who run The Baxter Inn, Restaurant Hubert is ideal for dinner followed by drinks. The menu keeps things classic French, with some elevated central-east Asian details - think escargot with XO butter, or crispy-skinned duck l’orange paired with a kimchi gratin. Whether you’re grabbing some oysters and a martini, or savour something more robust, you’ll find the expert at Restaurant Hubert magnifique.

Bistecca

Italian for steak, Bistecca is tucked away beneath Sydney’s CBD and designed to help you forget the world for a while. If you’re a meat lover then this is a must-visit spot, with hearty meals that will have you salivating. Your choice of meat is carefully cut and weighed, and then presented to you before being cooked fireside over ironbark and charcoal. 

Plus, you can book to go into the semi-private Wine Room which can accommodate up to just 8 guests. An intimate spot for a celebration or a romantic dinner. Bookings are essential - and you’ll want to book well in advance as Bistecca gets reserved almost instantly when they open bookings at 7am each morning.

O Bar and Dining

This resolving restaurant on level 47 of George Street is a great spot for a dinner with a view. If you can, try going at sunset, so you can watch as the city is blanketed in darkness and observe the lights begin to glisten all around. Serving up modern Australian food by chef Michael Moore, this chic and lofty venue delivers seasonal flavours that celebrate the best of the region. Make sure to book this one in advance and request a window seat so that you have a front row view to the very best that Sydney has to offer.

When it’s time to slip into your dancing shoes and hit the dancefloor, Sydney takes things up a notch with rooftop clubs, themed venues and everything in between.

Club 77

A long-running underground club with a strong electronic/technos focus and inclusive ethos. If you’re after that more ‘serious club’ vibe in the early hours of the morning (even until 5am on some weekends), then this is the spot for you. Hands down one of the best electronic music spaces that Sydney has to offer and a staunch supporter of the LGBTTQIA+ community. Head through the nondescript doors at 77 William Street, and step into a seal-off, nocturnal world where a rotating roster of events blends with electronic vibes and flowing drinks.  

The Soda Factory

A funky spot that mixes high-energy club nights with themed events, drag nights and alternative vibes. If you’re after a more playful night out then this is the spot for you. Hidden behind the guide of ‘Bobb’s Boss Dogs’ - a phoney 50’s coke machine - you’ll find the secret entrance to The Soda Factory. Think stripped back plaster, intricate murals and neon lighting that makes it feel as exclusive as it is elusive. International DJ’s and local bands take to the stage offering you the chance to boogie, or you can park up with your mates and order one of their amazing burgers from their American diner-styled menu. 

Sussudio

A stylish disco club in Potts Point, Sussudio has recently been lauded as ‘one of the most exclusive clubs in the city’. Inspired by the 90s Parisian disco clubs, Sussudio brings that classic sound studio feel with disco, vibe, tech house and funky groovy tech house music. Expect a sleek and comfortable environment where drinks are affordable, the snacks are plentiful and the djs are hand selected to bring the energy and make the party wild. Plus, they regularly host themed events and parties that can help you get in the mood. 

The Cliff Dive

This basement club in Darlinghurst is an ideal spot for those who want to dress up and bring big energy to the evening. With a strong atmosphere and located in the heart of Sydney’s nightlife corridor, it is an ideal destination after dinner or drinks at a bar. Playing the hottest Hip Hop and RNB every night, The Cliff Dive will keep you up partying until the early hours of the morning. Blink and it’ll be done, and you’ll find yourself with a Big Mac in hand watching the sunrise over the Sydney cityscape.

Home the Venue

You know those ‘super clubs’ you’d sometimes see on MTV? Multi-levelled, with loads of people partying under lights and loud music? Well Home The Venue in Darling Harbour is one of the larger super-club style venues in the city. If you’re after big scale parties with big crowds then this spot is off the charts. Whether you’re into house, techno, R&B, live performances or the latest chart-topping pop hits, Home offers an unforgettable nightlife experience. Plus, in 2024 it was the highest rated nightclub, by DJ Mag, in Australia and number 78 in the entire world!

Chinese Laundry

Regularly highlighted in travel guides as a go-to spot for dancing until late (and into the early morning), Chinese Laundry is a must-visit club for any avid partygoer. More on the underground and techno side of things but packing buckets of character, charm and unforgettable energy. Set in the basement of a 100-year old sandstone building, this venue is immersive, underground and a must-visit destination for progressive electronic music. Expect a vibrant mix of local crew takeovers, curated sets by legends of the industry and exclusive album release parties.

So, ready to take your Sydney itinerary to the next level? Whether you’re looking to have a romantic evening out with a loved one, catching up with friends for a cocktail (or two), or are ready to hit the dancefloor and dance the night away, you’ll find ample opportunity awaits you across the ditch.

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